Experience in Genoa, Italy by Maryam

What is it like to live in Genoa? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Genova is too dirty, especially in summer but it is not too hot. It has the strong wind in winter and heating systems in accommodation is not enough.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Genoa?

It is a city in the mountain, so accessing to public transportation and taxi is important here. But transportation cost for students is more expensive here than in Milan. Moreover, if you need to participate in some Congresses and especial schools around the world and you must travel a lot and you need to access Main Bus Station, Airport and Train Station in each time of the day or night (most of the time with a heavy luggage), it is not possible to use some facilities like Uber Taxis.

Furthermore, there aren't enough and convenient student dormitories.

How much does it cost to live in Genoa?

In general, a single room in a dorm with a private bathroom and a meal each day costs 350 euros per month. If you are lucky, maybe this room will be in a dirty residence with a shared kitchen in the not safe zone or you can share a double room with another guy for 300€.

And if you want to rent a studio you need to spend at least 700€ per month for living in here.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Genoa? Is there any advice you can give?

It is difficult due to the many bureaucracies, tax and payments roles for gas, electricity, the Internet and so on. It is better if you find a residence.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Eating in Mensa is a more convenient choice rather than other place, but if you want to eat there you don't have enough choice. For example, most of the time Muslems and vegetarians can not have full dishes in each meal.

What places would you recommend visiting in Genoa?

There is a fantastic sightseeing in Genova because of the existence of the mountain near to the sea, like Boccadasse and Nervi, especially in Summer and Spring.

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Is it good to eat out in Genoa? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

If you want to eat healthy and enough out of Mensa you must pay at least 10€ for each meal. There is a special dish here called Foccacia which is prepared in different ways: some with special kinds of cheese and others with Nutella. You can find the best one in Sori (near Genova).

Is the nightlife good in Genoa? Where is good to go?

It is good around the Piazza Di Ferrari but in another places there isn't anything. You can find some festivals in some special days or nights around Genova.

What advice would you give future students heading to Genoa?

Emigration and living out of the country is hard. Besides, it could be more overwhelming considering the new roles for your people in the new country, so at least be sure about the major that you chose, and before emigration try to increase your information about the destination as much as you can. Most of the people here don't know English, even most of the teachers in the university can't speak it.